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Home Β» Baked Goods Β» Chocolate Ganache

September 20, 2020 (last updated February 26, 2021)

Chocolate Ganache

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Chocolate ganache has got to be the easiest way to make a dessert look beautiful. It creates a perfectly smooth coating with so little effort. The simple, dairy-free, vegan version of ganache has just 2 ingredients. It can be made with one bowl and with one tool using the microwave. This is my favorite kind of recipe – super easy clean-up so I can get to the part when I can eat my gorgeous dessert.

gluten and dairy free chocolate loaf cake on wire rack with chocolate ganache being poured on and dripping down sides of cake. Orange slices in back.

Free-From Dessert Topping

gluten free chocolate cupcakes with chocolate ganache topping, decorated with sprinkles and gluten free cupcakes with vanilla frosting

This easy chocolate ganache recipe is gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, nut-free and egg-free. The recipe is easily made dairy-free with a simple substitution. It makes for a perfect vegan dessert topping.

chocolate ganche covered gluten-free chocolate cupcake. white bowl with ganche dripping on sides. white background

Which Chocolate to use for Ganache

Just about any form of sweetened solid chocolate will work for ganache. My preference is 60% bittersweet chocolate is best for creating a nice drip effect down the side of a cake. Most semi-sweet chocolate chips are 60%. For a low-sugar chocolate ganache, use Ghirardelli 92% Bittersweet chocolate or Lakanto Chocolate Chips, sweetened with monkfruit.

Chocolate chips are easiest because they don’t require any chopping. Bars and baking chocolate will need to be chopped into chip-sized pieces for easier melting. If you need an allergy-free chocolate, Enjoy Life chocolate chips and chunks are excellent, The have dark and semi-sweet and they are my go-to for baking chocolate.

Extra Glossy Chocolate Ganache

When the ganache is first poured, it creates a gorgeous glossy coating. But as it sets, that glossy finish starts to dull. If you want the gloss to remain, corn syrup will help. I am not a huge fan of using corn syrup in my cooking and baking, but for an extra beautiful presentation, on occasion, I am willing to make an exception.

So, add 2 Tbsps corn syrup to the recipe for glossy ganache. In order to balance the super sweet syrup, I add a couple of pinches of salt. It is also a good idea to use bittersweet chocolate instead of semi-sweet, if you have it, .

gluten and dairy free chocolate loaf cake with chocolate ganache coating and white chocolate ganache drizzle. Orange slices on left and in back.

Ganache Flavors:

All of these flavors can go in the bowl to be heated with the chocolate and milk/cream.

  • For a sweet and salty chocolate topping add 1/4 tsp salt.
  • Mint is perfect in combination with chocolate. Add 1 tsp peppermint oil.
  • My favorite chocolate partner is orange. The citrusy tang adds such a great balance to chocolate. Add 1 tsp orange extract or oil.
  • Add 1 tsp instant coffee granules. This will enhance the bitterness of the chocolate and add a slight mocha flavor.

Some of my recipes that are screaming for a coating of glossy chocolate ganache are, Gluten-Free Vanilla Cake, Gluten-Free Chocolate Cupcakes, Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Vanilla Cupcakes and my Gluten-Free Coconut Cake. Or, turn this gluten-free banana bread or pumpkin bread into a perfect dessert.

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gluten free chocolate loaf cake on wire rack with ganache dripping down sides. Orange slices in front and back.

Chocolate Ganache

Yield: 1 cup
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 1 minute
Additional Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes

This chocolate ganache is the easiest, most elegant cake or dessert topping.

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup chocolate chips or 6 oz semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate (60% chocolate works best for ganache)
  • 1/2 c coconut milk (canned)

Optional Flavors

  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp peppermint oil
  • 1 tsp orange extract
  • 1 tsp instant coffee granules

Instructions

  1. If using bars, chop the chocolate into chip-sized pieces.
  2. Place the chocolate, milk or cream, and any additional flavors* in a microwave-safe bowl.
  3. Heat on high for 30 seconds. Stir.
  4. Heat an additional 30 seconds on high. Stir with a wire whisk for one minute or until smooth. If some chunks remain, heat another 15 seconds to melt.
  5. Set aside to cool for 20 minutes.
  6. Pour over a cake. Do not spread it as it will self-level and create a smooth coating.
  7. Or dip cup cakes. Dip 2-3 times for a thicker coating.

Notes

Additional flavors: Salt can be combined with the orange, peppermint or coffee. Otherwise, I recommend sticking with one flavor addition.

Recommended Products

  • Enjoy Life Chocolate
    Enjoy Life Chocolate

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© Janet Harlow
Cuisine: French / Category: Dessert
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Posted In: Baked Goods, Dessert, Vegan · Tagged: chocolate, dairy-free

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